"The limitation of riots, moral questions aside, is that they cannot win and their participation know it. Hence rioting is not revolutionary but reactionary because it invites defeat. It involves an emotional catharsis, but it must be followed by a sense of futility." -Martin Luther King Jr.
African Americans felt very empowered and moved by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. It inspired many to fight for equal rights and stand up for what they believed in. After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., many civilians were outraged and did not take it lightly. On April 5, 1968, the day after MLK was shot, the chaos began. Riots broke out in many cities and town all across the country. Chicago, a town very often visited by MLK and filled with people who admired him, had riots so violent that the use of fire hoses were necessary to try to calm the crowds. Firefighters tried to save these buildings, but the rioters were so violent they often prevented the firefighters from getting the flames under control. Many buildings were burned down and many houses destroyed.
African Americans felt very empowered and moved by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. It inspired many to fight for equal rights and stand up for what they believed in. After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., many civilians were outraged and did not take it lightly. On April 5, 1968, the day after MLK was shot, the chaos began. Riots broke out in many cities and town all across the country. Chicago, a town very often visited by MLK and filled with people who admired him, had riots so violent that the use of fire hoses were necessary to try to calm the crowds. Firefighters tried to save these buildings, but the rioters were so violent they often prevented the firefighters from getting the flames under control. Many buildings were burned down and many houses destroyed.